Career Advice from Moms, Dads, and the Parental Figures in Our Lives

reputation conceptual meterYou may think of your parents as from a different generation, or even as archaic. But that doesn’t change the fact that they care about you and want the best for you. They’ve also been alive for a longer period of time, and likely have more work experience than you. So whether their wisdom is welcome or not, they give advice in hopes of a better future for their child.

What if the work experience they have is in a completely different field? They can still give you some pretty valuable career advice. Many life rules hold true, no matter what field you’re working in. That advice carries across generations and different careers and types of work.

National Parents’ Day celebrates and recognizes the important role of responsible parenting in every day family life.

It was established in 1994 on July 24th. Because society has become more self-centered, President Bill Clinton signed a congressional bill to remember Parents’ Day in an effort to encourage family commitment and parental responsibilities.

In honor of Parents’ Day, we’re celebrating the great advice that moms, dads, grandparents, and other parental figures dole out to their kids to help them improve their careers.

Round-up of the Best Career Advice from Parents

Choose Your Boss, Not the Company or Pay Check

Who you work with can determine your success within a company. A good boss can move you forward in your career, defend you, boost you up, and on the flipside, hold you back if they don’t like you for some reason. When it comes down to a choice, don’t pass up the chance to work with someone extraordinary that you click with, just for a company with an impressive name or salary package.

Build a Solid Reputation

This is something that was true 50 years ago, and still holds true today. In your career, reputation is everything. It’s a small world, and your industry is even smaller. In today’s Internet age, everyone talks, and whatever they say can be heard by everyone else. Your reputation is all you have, so build a good one for yourself.

Take the Blame When You Deserve It

You’re an adult, so own up when you’ve made a mistake. It may seem natural to make excuses and shuffle things off when they don’t go your way – it’s a self-defense mechanism. But you will get a lot more respect if you take the blame when it’s your fault. Apologize, do what you can to rectify the situation, and move on.

Don’t Burn Bridges

Again, it’s a small working world out there. Keep your options open, take the high road, and never discount that you may work with someone again down the line. In fact, it’s safest if you expect it. You never know where people will end up.

Don’t be Afraid to Say No

If you can’t handle a task, or if your plate is already full, don’t be afraid to say no. It’s much better than doing a bad job and having people believe that you aren’t up for a task.

These are just a few tips that parents have doled out that have stood the test of time. No matter how much you dislike being lectured by mom and dad, do yourself a favor and listen to what they have to say.